Ejina Banner Family Autumn Viewing Guide: Enjoy Populus Euphratica Forest and Desert Secrets with Kids

Take your kids to a golden rendezvous! The autumn in Ejina Banner is breathtakingly beautiful, with millennia-old Populus euphratica trees and desert oases, making a family trip unforgettable～ 1. Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Highlights: 400,000 acres of golden ocean, one of the world's three major Populus euphratica forests, filming location of "Hero," ancient trees with diverse shapes, let kids experience nature’s wonders Best Time: September 25 - October 20 (full golden period), early morning 6:30-8:00 (soft light reflections), dusk 16:30-18:00 (backlight with golden edges), avoid midday heat with kids Photo Spots: - Erdao Bridge Reflection Forest: Stunning water reflections, take symmetrical photos with kids, children can play in shallow water by the shore - Sidao Bridge Hero Forest: Low-angle shots of gnarled branches, highlighting the toughness of Populus euphratica, teach kids about the tree’s resilience - Qidao Bridge Dream Forest: Young Populus euphratica with bright colors and clear leaf textures, great for kids to observe plants Address: Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner (Ticket 240 RMB including sightseeing bus, free for children under 1.2 meters) 2. Strange Forest Highlights: Millennia-old dead Populus euphratica trees, gnarled branches like sculptures, very magical, let kids feel the power of life Best Time: One hour before and after sunset, best silhouette effect at dusk, watch kids’ safety Photo Spots: - Framing with dead trees: Frame kids within tree branch gaps for atmospheric photos - Silhouette shooting: Have kids do simple poses on sand dunes for dramatic desert silhouettes Address: 28 km southwest of Dalaihubu Town (Combo ticket includes Black City and Strange Forest) 3. Juyan Lake Highlights: Oasis in the desert, tens of thousands of acres of reeds and flocks of migratory birds, let kids get close to nature and learn about birds Best Time: 5:30-7:00 AM (sunrise bird flight), September-October migratory season, prepare kids for early rising Photo Spots: - Viewing platform snapshots: Capture migratory birds skimming the water, teach kids about birds and environmental awareness - Wooden boardwalk overhead shots: Reeds plus sunrise, perfect for heartwarming family photos Address: East section of Aerospace Road, Ejina Banner (Ticket 75 RMB, free for children under 1.2 meters) 4. Heishui City Ruins Highlights: Western Xia ancient city ruins, Buddhist pagoda remnants plus desert, let kids feel the weight of history Best Time: 15:00-17:00 afternoon, oblique light enhances wall textures, great for photos Photo Spots: - City wall gap composition: Contrast sand dunes and ancient pagoda, teach kids about ancient civilization - Hanfu photo shoot: Bring simple Hanfu for kids, stroll with lanterns, capture story-like photos Address: 25 km southeast of Dalaihubu Town (Combo ticket includes Strange Forest) 5. Badaoqiao Badain Jaran Desert Highlights: Golden sand dunes and camel caravans, sand sliding and off-roading are exciting and fun, a paradise for kids Best Time: One hour before sunset, strongest light and shadow on sand ridges, early morning dunes are pristine without footprints Photo Spots: - Top of sand dune overhead shots: Camel caravan’s winding curves, kids will love camel riding - Sand texture shots: Low-angle close-ups of sand grains, kids can draw or build sandcastles Address: End of Badaoqiao in Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area (Ticket included in Populus Euphratica Forest package) 👗 Family Outfit Suggestions: Red/white/blue clothes (avoid yellow), windproof sand masks, sunglasses, and non-slip shoes are essential 🍲 Family Food Guide: - Local food recommendations: Hand-pulled rice (low salt), boiled lamb (no seasoning), plain yogurt dumplings, suitable for kids - Bring your own fruit, bread, and drinking water; few supply points in the scenic area, replenish energy timely - Desert area is dry, give kids plenty of warm water to avoid heat-related issues 💡 Practical Family Tips: 1. Dress kids in comfortable, non-slip sports shoes to prevent slipping in the desert 2. Prepare wind and sand goggles and masks to protect kids’ eyes and respiratory tract 3. Bring common children’s medicines (cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids, mosquito repellent) 4. The scenic area is large; use sightseeing buses with kids to save energy 5. Teach kids to protect the environment, do not damage Populus euphratica or litter 🏡 Accommodation Guide: Recommended "Ejina Banner Desert Tent Hotel" for a unique stay experience, stargazing, and children’s play facilities